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The Thin Gray Line
From the award-winning author of Home Again and Scarred, comes a Civil War novel of courage, discovery, and redemption. Young Luke Pettigrew, a hero at the Battle of Shiloh, awakens in the bedroom of an unfamiliar Tennessee farmhouse—with no immediate memory of what brought him there. The only thing he knows with certainty, is that his life will never be the same.
Smith takes readers on a (historically accurate) wild ride through the end days of the American Civil War with Luke coming-of-age while exploring themes of addiction, love, and self worth. As the Civil War draws to a close, so does Luke's lifetime of searching. Ultimately, he finds redemption in the least likely of places.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2019
30 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Michael Kenneth Smith
9 books26 followersMICHAEL KENNETH SMITH is the author of six historical novels including the international Amazon bestseller, The Postwoman, based on the true story of WWII Resistance fighter, Andreé De Jongh. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Smith turned to writing after building—and selling—a successful auto parts business. Storytelling is his lifelong passion.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 6, 2019
Read to review for a history publication.
January 23, 2020
‘I’ll never be the same. Never ride a horse. Never walk. Never anything’
Author and master storyteller Michael Kenneth Smith trained as a mechanical engineer, owned and operated a successful auto parts business, and after twenty years, retired to fish, golf, cook, play bridge, and become an oenophile (a lover or connoisseur of wine), socialized, and even edited a local newspaper – his introduction to the written word. He now adds publishing novels to his resume – his novels being the highly regarded HOME AGAIN, SCARRED, THE POSTWOMAN and this fine new book.
Continuing his examination of the Civil War and its effects and aftermath, Michael’s novels succeed on many levels, not the least of which is his ability to create credible characters with whom the reader can identify. Plunging into his new story with visceral language, the atmosphere is painted well – ‘The pain woke him, an excruciating agony like the searing of his own flesh that went all the way up to his spine. He opened his eyes and tried to focus. The room spun round and round in a maelstrom with his bed in the middle. A wave of nausea crept in like a slowly rising tide. He blinked, trying to stop the whirling. Sunlight shone through a window onto a muslin sheet. He brought his hand to his face and felt the coarse stubble of a week-old beard and wondered what possibly cold have happened since his last shave. The image of a burned farmhouse slid into his thoughts. The image kept spinning, fading in and out. Then he was riding a horse… a fast-moving horse. There was a shot. The horse went down and threw him hard into a patch of briars that stung his face. The impact of his fall forced all the air out of his lungs and everything went black. Now, his mouth felt like it was stuffed with cotton. He blinked hard again, and the room slowly stopped spinning and came into focus. His hand went to his chest, finding the locket and clutched it tightly in his fist. Looking down for the source of a stabbing pain he saw only the outline of one foot under the sheet…Slowly, the realization came to him. He had only one leg. He screamed. A bloodcurdling scream…’
Capturing the flavor of the period well, Michael continues his story as we learn about the manner in which Luke Pettigrew’s leg was amputated and the spiraling twists and turns of the story unfold, as the brief synopsis suggests - ‘Young Luke Pettigrew, a hero at the Battle of Shiloh, awakens in the bedroom of an unfamiliar Tennessee farmhouse—with no immediate memory of what brought him there. The only thing he knows with certainty, is that his life will never be the same. As the Civil War draws to a close, so does Luke's lifetime of searching. Ultimately, he finds redemption in the least likely of places.’
Adding themes of addiction, love, and self worth to Luke’s story enhances the impact of the plot. This is powerful writing from an experienced hand. Stories such is THE THIN GRAY LINE tell us more about both our history and about the ravages of war that the usual novel. Highly recommended.
Author and master storyteller Michael Kenneth Smith trained as a mechanical engineer, owned and operated a successful auto parts business, and after twenty years, retired to fish, golf, cook, play bridge, and become an oenophile (a lover or connoisseur of wine), socialized, and even edited a local newspaper – his introduction to the written word. He now adds publishing novels to his resume – his novels being the highly regarded HOME AGAIN, SCARRED, THE POSTWOMAN and this fine new book.
Continuing his examination of the Civil War and its effects and aftermath, Michael’s novels succeed on many levels, not the least of which is his ability to create credible characters with whom the reader can identify. Plunging into his new story with visceral language, the atmosphere is painted well – ‘The pain woke him, an excruciating agony like the searing of his own flesh that went all the way up to his spine. He opened his eyes and tried to focus. The room spun round and round in a maelstrom with his bed in the middle. A wave of nausea crept in like a slowly rising tide. He blinked, trying to stop the whirling. Sunlight shone through a window onto a muslin sheet. He brought his hand to his face and felt the coarse stubble of a week-old beard and wondered what possibly cold have happened since his last shave. The image of a burned farmhouse slid into his thoughts. The image kept spinning, fading in and out. Then he was riding a horse… a fast-moving horse. There was a shot. The horse went down and threw him hard into a patch of briars that stung his face. The impact of his fall forced all the air out of his lungs and everything went black. Now, his mouth felt like it was stuffed with cotton. He blinked hard again, and the room slowly stopped spinning and came into focus. His hand went to his chest, finding the locket and clutched it tightly in his fist. Looking down for the source of a stabbing pain he saw only the outline of one foot under the sheet…Slowly, the realization came to him. He had only one leg. He screamed. A bloodcurdling scream…’
Capturing the flavor of the period well, Michael continues his story as we learn about the manner in which Luke Pettigrew’s leg was amputated and the spiraling twists and turns of the story unfold, as the brief synopsis suggests - ‘Young Luke Pettigrew, a hero at the Battle of Shiloh, awakens in the bedroom of an unfamiliar Tennessee farmhouse—with no immediate memory of what brought him there. The only thing he knows with certainty, is that his life will never be the same. As the Civil War draws to a close, so does Luke's lifetime of searching. Ultimately, he finds redemption in the least likely of places.’
Adding themes of addiction, love, and self worth to Luke’s story enhances the impact of the plot. This is powerful writing from an experienced hand. Stories such is THE THIN GRAY LINE tell us more about both our history and about the ravages of war that the usual novel. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2020
War Divides - Humanity Unites
The Thin Gray Line by Michael Kenneth Smith is a compelling and engaging read that will not only grab the reader's imagination, but their heart as well.
Against the backdrop of the American Civil War we are introduced and follow a Confederate medic by the name of Luke Pettigrew. His life, during this tumultuous time, is a journey of serendipitous circumstances in which he interacts with the enemy through medical treatment, is captured himself, falls in love with his rescuer's daughter and is medically attended by a "salt of the earth" family.
Despite the needed amputation of his leg, he resolves to overcome his disability and to walk again.
He eventually leaves the home of the family that nursed him back to health and finds himself immersed in a series of adventures that require him to call upon his life experience and personal character for answers.
As one can expect challenging situations that would be included in an American Civil War story include the horror of slavery and war itself. However, there are tender and personal topics including the seeking of love from parents, humanitarian care and doing what is right even if it is not socially or legally acceptable.
The Thin Gray Line by Michael Kenneth Smith is a beautifully written book. It is a book that reflects a simpler time with simple values, but values that are pure and uncompromising.
The writer has gifted the reader with a fictional story of a young Confederate soldier who did what he thought was right. Although fictional it has significant historical value and will definitely be enjoyed by the reader who enjoys an inspirational read during a divisive time in American history.
The Thin Gray Line by Michael Kenneth Smith is a compelling and engaging read that will not only grab the reader's imagination, but their heart as well.
Against the backdrop of the American Civil War we are introduced and follow a Confederate medic by the name of Luke Pettigrew. His life, during this tumultuous time, is a journey of serendipitous circumstances in which he interacts with the enemy through medical treatment, is captured himself, falls in love with his rescuer's daughter and is medically attended by a "salt of the earth" family.
Despite the needed amputation of his leg, he resolves to overcome his disability and to walk again.
He eventually leaves the home of the family that nursed him back to health and finds himself immersed in a series of adventures that require him to call upon his life experience and personal character for answers.
As one can expect challenging situations that would be included in an American Civil War story include the horror of slavery and war itself. However, there are tender and personal topics including the seeking of love from parents, humanitarian care and doing what is right even if it is not socially or legally acceptable.
The Thin Gray Line by Michael Kenneth Smith is a beautifully written book. It is a book that reflects a simpler time with simple values, but values that are pure and uncompromising.
The writer has gifted the reader with a fictional story of a young Confederate soldier who did what he thought was right. Although fictional it has significant historical value and will definitely be enjoyed by the reader who enjoys an inspirational read during a divisive time in American history.
January 28, 2020
I thought this book was a very moving fictional account of a soldier who was seriously injured in the Civil War. This soldier, Luke Pettigrew, struggles to build a new life for himself after his injury. He is very determined, hardworking, and innovative, which leads to him discovering a new purpose for his life and it involves helping other soldiers like himself. Along the way, he meets new people, faces ethical decisions, and creates a new life for himself. I thought the author did a great job of connecting the reader with this character, Luke, as you could understand how he was feeling and why he made the decisions that he did. Even though he did make some mistakes along the way, you could still see his heart and his good intentions to make things better and to help as many people as he could. There were some events in the story that were very sad and hard to read as there were many terrible things that happened during the Civil War, which I think the author did a good job of depicting. Overall, I thought Luke’s story was very heartwarming and enjoyable to read.
January 30, 2020
The American Civil War was an era of heroes and villains, of great love stories and great horrors. In this, historically accurate book the author Michael Smith, gives us the story of Luke Pettigrew. A war hero from the Battle of Shiloh, Luke feels like anything but that. His horse shot out from underneath him and his leg amputated, he is recovering in a kind man’s home when he begins his journey with recovery, addiction, resentment for his situation, longing to be whole and his struggles to grow as a person in a turbulent world.
A coming of age tale like no other, this books hero has to deal with some very harrowing situations. Back in that day, losing a leg meant much more than it does in this day of prosthetics. Luke is undeterred in his determination in fashioning himself a new leg. I think that this doggedness in the face of adversity was really powerful to read about. I enjoyed this book a lot.
A coming of age tale like no other, this books hero has to deal with some very harrowing situations. Back in that day, losing a leg meant much more than it does in this day of prosthetics. Luke is undeterred in his determination in fashioning himself a new leg. I think that this doggedness in the face of adversity was really powerful to read about. I enjoyed this book a lot.
February 2, 2020
The Thin Gray Line by Michael Kenneth Smith is a Civil War fictional read that will bring this historical time to life. Luke Pettigrew is a Rebel that is well known on both sides for his bravery, medical prowess, and his respect for mankind. As a soldier who has an amputated limb, he wants to help others overcome the mental and physical difficulties they will face. His main goal is getting back to the girl who is waiting for him, Carol. Luke has several rabbit trails he takes before he reaches his goal.
I love how Michael Kenneth Smith actually weaves characters of Civil War era into The Thin Gray Line. This novel hits several important issues soldiers faced; going home to sweethearts, dealing with handicaps, and how to change their views about the slaves now that they were freed. I found the ending satisfying and practical. I think history lovers will really enjoy this novel.
I love how Michael Kenneth Smith actually weaves characters of Civil War era into The Thin Gray Line. This novel hits several important issues soldiers faced; going home to sweethearts, dealing with handicaps, and how to change their views about the slaves now that they were freed. I found the ending satisfying and practical. I think history lovers will really enjoy this novel.
January 22, 2020
Historical civil war coming of age adventure
This historical book takes you on an amazingly accurate journey through the end of the civil war and the way of life and death during that time. Luke was shot at Gettysburg and finds himself recovering in the home of another soldier who has returned from the war. Lukes wound caused him to be an amputee and must know consider what the rest of his life will be like without his leg. This story is fast paced with plenty of emotionally charged scenes. I enjoyed the trip and watching as the characters were shown and grow with each page turned. This is a good read for anyone who likes historical, coming of age discovery, or early war and peace era stories. Check this one out and let me know your thoughts.
This historical book takes you on an amazingly accurate journey through the end of the civil war and the way of life and death during that time. Luke was shot at Gettysburg and finds himself recovering in the home of another soldier who has returned from the war. Lukes wound caused him to be an amputee and must know consider what the rest of his life will be like without his leg. This story is fast paced with plenty of emotionally charged scenes. I enjoyed the trip and watching as the characters were shown and grow with each page turned. This is a good read for anyone who likes historical, coming of age discovery, or early war and peace era stories. Check this one out and let me know your thoughts.
May 1, 2025
This is a good story about Luke Pettigrew, a Confederate soldier who is injured and loses a leg during a battle near the end of the Civil War. He designs and makes his own prosthetic leg, then works with James Hanger (a real inventor in this field) to help numerous other soldiers who are amputees. It's an emotional story as well as historical fiction, as Luke's honor is tried in many different situations. It needed better editing, however, because the writing was distractingly sloppy. An example: "He hoped she approve because he had no idea what he would do if she wasn't." There are numerous spelling errors as well, such as illusive for elusive, eminent for imminent and shear for sheer. It's a good read in spite of these flaws, giving a striking example of the waste of war.
January 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this series and especially this book since this story moves away from the actual war and starts to look more at the home front including slavery and as a reader it's a bit more relatable but like the other books in this series it's really well thought out well developed characters and based on the historical record many of these people did exist and their stories are interesting, I give it four and half stars if you enjoy historical fiction you can't go wrong with this author's books.
February 1, 2020
Enjoyable and Historic
Thin Gray Line is the type of book high schoolers beg their schools to put on the summer reading list. It uses historical data as the background to the main character’s coming of age story. The main character, Luke, is portrayed realistically for his age and readers will definitely relate to him. The historical aspects of the novel flow seamlessly as details rather than “in your face” facts. A+ novel.
Thin Gray Line is the type of book high schoolers beg their schools to put on the summer reading list. It uses historical data as the background to the main character’s coming of age story. The main character, Luke, is portrayed realistically for his age and readers will definitely relate to him. The historical aspects of the novel flow seamlessly as details rather than “in your face” facts. A+ novel.
September 3, 2020
Great book. Civil war
September 10, 2019
In The Thin Gray Line, award-winning author, Michael Smith, has, by skilfully blending historical accuracy, with his incredible storytelling ability, written an outstanding final book in his American Civil War trilogy.
Set at the end of the American Civil War, this story begins with Clyde McCallister arriving home to his farm in Tennessee, where he is eagerly greeted by his wife Joanie, and twin sons Timmy and Tommy. In the upstairs bedroom lies a young soldier, Luke Pettigrew, a hero of the Battle of Shiloh.
The soldier, is at first unable to remember how he arrived there, but as his memory slowly returns, he remembers being shot at the battle of Gettysburg, and the events which followed…
As he reels from the realisation of the impact on his life that gunshot has made, he finds himself having to come to terms with the fact that his life will never be the same again. In the blink of an eye, like thousands of others, the cost of his bravery has made him an amputee. However, as his strength returns so too does his fortitude, and so, with resilience and inventiveness he moves forward.
In this epic adventure we follow Luke as his destiny unfolds. Drawn through his determination, compassion for others, and his affinity to the plight of other amputees, he returns to life as a field medic, and in doing so reveals the true horror of working in field hospitals, in insanitary conditions, with crude tools and only laudanum, and whisky for pain relief.
Through Luke’s eyes, and the author’s incredibly descriptive writing, the reader can almost hear the screams of pain, and the sounds of the saw cutting through bone, and truly understand the impotence felt by the medics and doctors treating the horrendous injuries of war.
Luke finds himself in strange situations, battling with ethical and social issues, defending others and fighting for what he believes in. I was extremely interested to read at the end of the book the ‘Author’s Notes’ on the history of James Hanger and his prosthetic company, as it features so prominently in the book, and also about some of the lives of other well-known real characters in the story.
For me, this book stands out from any other American Civil War book I have read as a real insight into the social history of the time, and of a country divided. I do feel that if young people were to read historically accurate stories like this one, the political and social reasons behind wars, the impact of prejudices indoctrinated on generations, and the resulting impact of these, would be better understood.
In Summary: A powerful coming-of-age story in which we see a young man, broken and lost, then empowered by determination. Within these pages his fascinating story unfolds and we follow his fight as he strives to overcome difficulties, experiences romance and passion, embraces responsibility and ultimately finally discovers acceptance. Highly Commended.
Set at the end of the American Civil War, this story begins with Clyde McCallister arriving home to his farm in Tennessee, where he is eagerly greeted by his wife Joanie, and twin sons Timmy and Tommy. In the upstairs bedroom lies a young soldier, Luke Pettigrew, a hero of the Battle of Shiloh.
The soldier, is at first unable to remember how he arrived there, but as his memory slowly returns, he remembers being shot at the battle of Gettysburg, and the events which followed…
As he reels from the realisation of the impact on his life that gunshot has made, he finds himself having to come to terms with the fact that his life will never be the same again. In the blink of an eye, like thousands of others, the cost of his bravery has made him an amputee. However, as his strength returns so too does his fortitude, and so, with resilience and inventiveness he moves forward.
In this epic adventure we follow Luke as his destiny unfolds. Drawn through his determination, compassion for others, and his affinity to the plight of other amputees, he returns to life as a field medic, and in doing so reveals the true horror of working in field hospitals, in insanitary conditions, with crude tools and only laudanum, and whisky for pain relief.
Through Luke’s eyes, and the author’s incredibly descriptive writing, the reader can almost hear the screams of pain, and the sounds of the saw cutting through bone, and truly understand the impotence felt by the medics and doctors treating the horrendous injuries of war.
Luke finds himself in strange situations, battling with ethical and social issues, defending others and fighting for what he believes in. I was extremely interested to read at the end of the book the ‘Author’s Notes’ on the history of James Hanger and his prosthetic company, as it features so prominently in the book, and also about some of the lives of other well-known real characters in the story.
For me, this book stands out from any other American Civil War book I have read as a real insight into the social history of the time, and of a country divided. I do feel that if young people were to read historically accurate stories like this one, the political and social reasons behind wars, the impact of prejudices indoctrinated on generations, and the resulting impact of these, would be better understood.
In Summary: A powerful coming-of-age story in which we see a young man, broken and lost, then empowered by determination. Within these pages his fascinating story unfolds and we follow his fight as he strives to overcome difficulties, experiences romance and passion, embraces responsibility and ultimately finally discovers acceptance. Highly Commended.
October 2, 2019
A historical novel about the Civil War.
Truthfully a 1 to 5 star rating isn’t adequate, though I did enjoy the book I would like to rated on a 1 to 10 ratio and I would give it a seven.
Truthfully a 1 to 5 star rating isn’t adequate, though I did enjoy the book I would like to rated on a 1 to 10 ratio and I would give it a seven.
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